Parents of students at King’s College, Lagos (KCL), are raising alarms over a suspected diphtheria outbreak, with reports of students being hospitalised and health officials stepping in to assess the situation.
According to findings, representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) have visited the school, providing safety guidelines and working to contain the situation. However, many parents believe the issue might be more severe than officially reported and are demanding transparency from the school authorities.
In response, the school has issued compulsory immunisation forms to parents, requiring them to be filled and returned by Wednesday. A consent form obtained by Vanguard confirms that KCL, in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, is launching a diphtheria vaccination campaign.
Concerns have also been linked to poor sanitary conditions and what some parents see as a lack of openness from the school’s management. Reports indicate that students are now required to wear face masks, and several have been treated at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for suspected diphtheria symptoms.
“Why the secrecy?” one parent questioned. “We’ve repeatedly raised concerns about poor sanitation, inadequate food, and the state of the school clinic. WHO officials were on campus yesterday to educate students about diphtheria prevention, which suggests the situation is serious.”
Further reports reveal that some students were hospitalised as far back as December, with at least one fatality recorded, intensifying the fears of parents and guardians. Many are now demanding that a full-time medical doctor be stationed at the school clinic to improve healthcare support for students.
“My son was hospitalised for over a week—it was a terrifying experience,” a concerned parent shared. “We need intensified preventive measures and constant supervision of students’ hygiene.”
Beyond the immediate health crisis, parents are urging the Federal Government to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in the school. They are also calling for an overall enhancement of educational standards at KCL and other federal unity schools. The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has also been urged to prioritize student welfare rather than downplaying critical issues.
A relative of one student treated at LUTH expressed deep anxiety, emphasizing the need for urgent action to improve conditions at the school.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Ngozi Ogbonna, spokesperson for the King’s College PTA, has reassured parents that the school and PTA are working closely with government health agencies to manage the situation.
She confirmed that booster vaccine doses are being administered and that students showing symptoms are being isolated and transferred to LUTH for further diagnosis. In a message to parents titled “Issue of Diphtheria Disease in Annex Campus, King’s College”, Ogbonna stated:
“As part of their efforts, the management and PTA EXCO met and contacted the relevant government health agencies, who advised that booster doses of vaccines should be administered to students.
However, some students who manifested symptoms have been isolated and taken to LUTH for diagnosis, with results awaited. Any other students who show symptoms will also be taken to LUTH accordingly, and their parents contacted for follow-up.
Delegates from the World Health Organization visited the Annex Campus this evening to assist in controlling the situation.
On this note, we urge parents to remain calm and prayerful as everything is under control. We shall overcome.”
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection spread through coughing and sneezing, with symptoms including fever, sore throat, and swollen neck glands. According to WHO, unvaccinated children are at the highest risk.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, stated that she was unaware of the situation but promised to investigate and provide further updates.
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